Greensburg, PA — The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra invites audiences to experience The Unlikely Union: A Storytelling Symphony of America, a groundbreaking collaboration that premiered at the Palace Theatre on January 17, 2026. The production is now streaming on PBS and will air locally on WQED (Pittsburgh region) on July 5, 2026, at 4 p.m.
The link to view the performance: https://www.pbs.org/show/the-unlikely-union-a-storytelling-symphony/
Created in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, The Unlikely Union brings history to life through a powerful combination of storytelling and original music. Professor Greg Jackson, creator of the acclaimed podcast History That Doesn’t Suck!, collaborated with the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Artistic Director Daniel Meyer to present this unique multimedia experience.
Jackson masterfully narrated “The Unlikely Union,” a gripping 100-year journey beginning with thirteen distinct British colonies uniting to form a new republic that will become the model for western democracy. This young nation’s durability and commitment to its founding ideals are then tested in a bitter civil war.
Meyer conducted an original score performed by musicians from the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, with Jackson also contributing on guitar. The music was composed by Greg Jackson and Lindsay Graham and arranged by Ethan Richey.
“It was such an incredible evening of history and music, and we are thrilled that everyone can now watch it again or experience it for the first time,” said Michael Rozell, Executive Director of the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra. “This project is a powerful example of how music and storytelling can bring history to life in a meaningful and memorable way.”
